It’s been more than a month since NBA star Damian Lillard asked the Portland Trail Blazers for a trade, but there has been virtually no movement on that front. However, Lillard’s latest actions on social media have raised eyebrows.
On Instagram, Lillard just unfollowed the Blazers, suggesting that he may soon no longer play for them. This comes as rumors continue to suggest that the team he prefers to play with, the Miami Heat, have gotten nowhere in their trade talks with the Blazers.
The Blazers are still not interested in making a Damian Lillard trade with the Miami Heat, per @flasportsbuzz pic.twitter.com/ig7yVcoRa2
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) August 17, 2023
That raises questions about where Lillard will play next, if not in Miami. Other teams, such as the Brooklyn Nets, have shown an interest in trading for him, but he has expressed no interest in playing anywhere else besides South Beach.
NBA Rumors: Will Lillard soon be traded?
With NBA training camp starting in six weeks, that should provide an endpoint for Lillard to be moved. Teams prefer to have their new players go through training camp, and if the Blazers don’t trade him before then, he may not be moved until the trade deadline.
If that is indeed the case, then it would put the Heat at a major disadvantage since they have spent the summer pursuing a star only to come up short. It would also suggest that other teams have a real shot at acquiring him since Portland didn’t trade him to his preferred destination, likely due to a lack of assets.
On the other hand, with Portland all but certain to go into rebuilding mode soon, they may not want to bring him back to start next season. After all, he would help them win games prior to being traded, making it more difficult for them to tank. Based on that, it seems more likely than not that Lillard will be moved within the next six weeks if his Instagram is any indication.
Overall, Lillard unfollowing the Blazers is a sign that a trade may soon happen. And, with training camp just weeks away, we probably won’t have to wait long for a deal.